5 Myths about Eating Disorders

In an age where we have access to many different opinions online, It is important to understand that there can be many stereotypes when it comes to eating disorders.. Understanding the myths about eating disorders AND challenging those myths can help overcome the stereotypes and end the stigma that mental illnesses have so much of. Here are 5 common myths you might have heard about eating disorders

Myth 1
“You can tell someone has an eating disorder by looking at them”

Truth -- Eating disorders can look different in everyone. It does not matter your body shape, size, or weight. In fact, Atypical Anorexia may go unnoticed or dismissed easily on because someone started dieting or disordered eating which ramped up to an eating disorder when they were at a higher body weight, or living in a bigger body. Even healthcare providers who are untrained in eating disorders can be dismissive and invalidating about this experience or concern raised.

Myth 2
“Only women experience eating disorders”

Truth- Eating disorders do not discriminate when it comes to gender. There needs to be more research when it comes to the effects of eating disorders on different populations. There is a higher prevalence of eating disorders and body dysmorphia in individuals who identify as transgender, gender non-binary, and gender queer.

Myth 3

“It is a choice to have an eating disorder” 

Truth -- Eating disorders have many factors that contribute to its development. Some factors include biological, psychological, and social. In fact, more recent research suggests a concept of a “multi factorial theory to the development of an eating disorder. This can include things like biological pre-disposing factors like genetics/epi genetics, social and cultural influences such as body ideals portrayed through diet culture, and social media. Family culture and beliefs shared about body image, weight preferences, and exercise. Thinking styles such as being perfectionistic, over achievers, and rigid thinkers can play a role as well. Having digestive discomfort, disorders, and diseases can lead to disordered eating. Emotional coping styles can lead to using eating or exercise as a way to modulate distress experienced related to emotional dysregulation. Puberty can be a factor that triggers eating disorders, and also adults can develop an eating disorder too.

Myth 4

“People with eating disorders just want attention”

Truth -- Most folks with eating disorders actually tend to hide their eating disorder out of shame, embarrassment, and stigma surrounding it. Eating disorders can also be life-threatening and can impact many aspects of people's lives. 

Myth 5

“Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia are the only two Eating Disorders”
Truth -- There are many different types of eating disorders, Binge Eating disorder being the most common. Some other types include Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Pica, Orthorexia (also referred to as cleaning eating), Atypical Anorexia, and OSFED- Otherwise Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder.

Remember if you have even disordered eating or a concern about your relationship with food, it’s never too early to seek help from you for primary healthcare provider, a dietician, or a therapist specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating.